Pure Magic
Disney has been in the midst of another renaissance the last few years, from once again crafting wonderful animated musicals to breathing new life into their brand of talking animals. Pete's Dragon, though a remake of a 1970s live action/animated Disney feature, charts a slightly different course. It doesn't do anything particularly new or modern with its storytelling, but it tells its "boy and his dog" story incredibly well, relying only on the time tested tools of terrific actors, a keen director's eye, a concise script, and organically used visual effects. Like E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, it's a fantastical film that's so tangible and honest that one can't help but be drawn in by its pure wonder and humanity.
Writer/director David Lowery and his co-writer Toby Halbrooks tell the story of a young boy named Pete (Oakes Fegley), who's left alone in the woods when his parents are killed in a car accident that leaves him unharmed. Discovered by a big green, furry dragon named Elliot, Pete forges a friendship with the friendly beast that sees the pair live together in the forest as happy companions. Six years later, Pete encounters forest ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), and his life with Elliot is threatened as Grace and other folks in the nearby town discover the creature all but Grace's father (Robert Redford) thought was a myth.
Lowery comes from the world of independent film, and his stripped down approach makes that clear. Though set in 1983, you won't hear hits of the period blaring on car radios or see clips of President Reagan on a television in the background. Lowery creates a timeless environment in his forest and town, as both have a familiar but not particular feel resulting from being filmed in New Zealand despite the story's Pacific Northwest setting. It's a kind of geographic and tonal androgyny that retains an air of reality while keeping one foot firmly in fantasy.
Aiding in the creation of that perfect balance is Lowery's cast, led by Fegley. The young actor sells every last piece of his performance, from being a quiet forest child to playing with a big ol' puppy dog of a dragon that wasn't there for him to interact with on set. When he and Elliot fly, we're soaring right there with them, and when he fears for Elliot's life, we're just as afraid. I can't say enough about how Elliot feels utterly real, as if he actually existed out in the world and the Pete's Dragon pre-production crew had the best damn animal wrangler in the business out there looking for him, but so much of that authenticity is given to the audience through Fegley's interactions with him. It's stunning how true their relationship is, especially as Elliot doesn't talk.
Bryce Dallas Howard is similarly honest in her portrayal of Grace. She's earnest and warmhearted, a grownup who both wants to help Pete and knows there's something more to the seemingly imaginary friend he's lived with in the wilderness. Like the film as a whole, Howard isn't doing anything revolutionary, but her character and approach to the part are just so heartfelt that she's able to lend a charm to the picture that's as important to its well-rounded success as Elliot and Pete's relationship.
Lowery, his cast, and the full production team get everything so very right with Pete's Dragon. Every element of the film is perfectly tuned to the warm, gentle tone of Pete and Elliot's story, from the expertly rendered and implemented special effects to the folk-infused soundtrack. To have every piece of the puzzle not just fit but make a beautiful finished picture is rare, but it usually results in pure movie magic. Pete's Dragon is exactly that.